Claudia James Thompson

Claudia James Thompson, 74, of Elizabeth City, died Sunday, February 3, 2019 at her residence. A native of Pasquotank County, she was born October 6, 1944 to the late Benjamin Burnham James, Jr. and Jessie McPherson McNeill. She grew up in the loving home of her uncle and aunt, the late Clarence and Vivian Jones of Elizabeth City. She attained a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Education from Campbell University. She was National Board certified and dedicated her working years to teaching in the public schools of Columbus and Pasquotank counties. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Claudia loved to learn and to teach, but her greatest love was her family and she often created extended family to include friends and students. She loved literature and appreciated antiques, not just for the beauty of them but also the tradition and heritage it represented. Claudia was a Southern lady whose character embodied passion and determination with a commitment to bring out the beauty of life in a way that belied the physical and medical struggles she faced. She believed there was always some light even in the deepest darkness.

She is survived by her daughter, Mari Burnham Thompson Jones and husband Andrew of Charlotte, NC; her son, William Henry Thompson, III and wife, Jenny of Elizabeth City; four grandchildren, Drew Jones, Mia Jones, Lyla Thompson and Brynn Thompson; sisters, Julia James and Mary Ruth James Larabee and husband Larry all of Elizabeth City; a brother Benjamin Burnham James III and wife Lynn of Camden and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 7-8:30 pm on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Twiford Funeral Home, 405 E Church St. Elizabeth City, NC. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Benny Oakes officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Asbury Fellowship Hall. A private burial will be in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.

Ms. Thompson was a beautiful person she was always kind. I was your student at NHS in 19… I remember when she was sick & were glad she came back to school. I remember seeing her out in the store a year or so ago & told her I was one of her students looking as beautiful as always. Sorry for your loss.

My heart breaks for all of you. Claudia loved each of you all with her entire heart. Claudia and I spent quite a bit of time together during Will’s Babe Ruth Baseball years. I could always count on Claudia to tell me the truth. If she heard something negative concerning the Parks and Recreation Department, she would contact me directly and let me know what was being said and to make sure she got the “rest of the story”! You always knew where you stood with Claudia and I value that quality. She sure put up a good fight against her cancer. I know she was looking forward to the birth of Brynn. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Claudia was the sweetest, kindest, most caring neighbor and friend anyone could ask for. We will miss her dearly and will keep her spirit close by always. Praying for comfort for her family during this time of loss.

Dear Julia, Ben, Mary Ruth, Mari, Will, families, cousins and friends,
I am so very sorry for your loss and I pray for your healing and reflection. Claudia was a fantastic spirit and lived life to the fullest and would wish for you to continue to do the same.. One of the most positive people I ever met with a bright and sunny outlook was just her style. An Angel among us, Claudia showed us poise and grace, kindness and tolerance, beauty and the value of education. She loved and enjoyed the finer things in life and shared them with her friends and family often. Now, I ask that God bestow his countenance and comfort to you all during this difficult time. My heart is broken and I wish I could be there with you. My deepest sympathy… Caleb

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